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T O P I C R E V I E W

Robert Pearlman

Tomytec has announced its pending release of a 1:700 scale model kit of Launch Complex 39, Pad A, as it was used during the space shuttle-era from 1995 through 2011 (after the removal of the hammerhead crane from the fixed service structure).

Can modelers shed some details about this? For example, what is "photo-etch"? Some parts come pre-assembled?

Robert Pearlman

Photoetched model parts are (very) small components etched from thin metal using a photochemical technique. They need to be assembled (glued together), just like plastic or resin parts, and painted (if the bare metal does not match the item being replicated).

Tomytec describes this model as requiring an advanced or very skilled builder, due to the complexity of the parts.

mode1charlie

In addition to Robert's description, photoetch (also known as "PE") needs to be carefully and meticulously bent to very precise shapes. To do that well it requires special tools like this one. Given that and the fact that CA glue must be applied with precision, it is definitely an advanced modeling skill.

cspg

Thanks for the info. So, basically highly skilled with a big wallet!

the clocks running

Wow! Incredible model but very expensive.

Hopefully they will discount the price. I paid $26.00 for my Tomytec Shuttle with the MLP and Crawler.

Another expensive model that I want. Argh! (LOL)

Ronpur

This is a beautiful kit. But, wow, $700 bucks. PE is fun and frustrating to work with. 1/700th scale is tiny, so have fun working at that scale.

If any of you fine collectSPACE members ordered your Bandai Apollo 11 or Apollo 13 models from Ami Ami, you should have some points that will reduce the price even more.

Greggy_D

I really have to tip my hat to our cS modelers that have the talent, expertise, and patience to build something as complex as this example.

the clocks running

I received an email confirmation from AmiAmi that the 1:700 scale Tomytec LC39 Pad A model is in stock.

I pre-ordered this model kit in November and it looks like the pre-orders claimed the first shipment from Tomytec because the kit is listed currently on back-order.

Can't wait to receive this very cool model soon.

cspg

Available (in stock) from Hobby Link Japan ($811).

the clocks running

Today I received my LC 39 Pad A kit from AmiAmi in Japan.

Wow! Intricate, intricate, intricate is all I can say.

I will take some photos because the entire package presentation tells the whole story. I believe that production was pretty limited so this will become one of those very expensive rare kits in the not so distant future.

I need to study the directions for a while before I attempt to start bending the paper thin photo etch parts.